ABSTRACT
Background: Consequent to the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in present day world, their caregivers form an important group in the public health. Research on the physical and psychological well-being of caregivers is being carried worldwide with varied results. Psychological health of these caregivers is usually ignored both by these persons themselves and the health-care providers. The objective of the study was to screen for psychiatric morbidity among caregivers of patients attending a psychiatric hospital in North India, and to study the clinical correlates of the same.Methods: A total of 205 patients and their caregivers were consecutively recruited over a one month period. Sociodemographic and clinical information of patients was obtained either from the hospital records or from the caregiver. Scoring of the patient’s global assessment of functioning (GAF) was done by clinicians. The caregivers were administered a sociodemographic questionnaire, general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Zarit Burden interview. The presence of psychiatric morbidity was confirmed by a consultant psychiatrist.Results: Among the caregivers, 32.2% had GHQ scores of 3 and above. Majority of caregivers in this study were females (59.0%) while as majority of the patients were males (61.9%). Factors associated with psychiatric morbidity among caregivers include the high level of subjective burden of care, low level of functioning, and comorbid medical and psychiatric conditions.Conclusions: The study reveals a high level of psychiatric morbidity among the caregivers of patients with mental health problems.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder [ASD] is a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges". American Psychiatric Association's defined ASD as "a single disorder that includes disorders that were previously considered separate - autism, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified"
Objectives: To exploration of the coping strategies of mother who are the primary care giver of the family and children with ASD. This study correspondingly emphasized on the policy makers to bring this subject to the agenda for the training [Coping] and support [Insurance] of mothers and ASD children for special education needs [SEN] by the government
Study Design: Qualitative study
Methods: This research explored mothers coping practices with ASD children in Rawalpindi by means of qualitative study design phenomenology. Theoretical framework used were, life course perspective and social constructivism which will facilitate the complete process. Interview guide is made on the format suggested by Steinar Kvale. Data analysis will be done by two analytical techniques, grounded theory analysis
Results: The results of this study were categories which were generated were divided into two main parts positive/ healthy and negative/impaired coping strategies they are as follow:- Positive coping strategies. a] Integration b] Networking c] Religion. And the Negative coping strategies a] Avoidance b] Ignorance c] Isolation
Conclusion: Overall, findings indicated that mothers sorrow and grief associated with ASD is common in every mother. Mothers coped by educating themselves. Findings indicated feelings of shock, grief and acceptance were the part of mother's responses, on the discovery of their child's autism diagnosis. Findings indicated daily routines were not affected but the ASD child
ABSTRACT
Background: The menace of substance abuse is not only a socially unacceptable reality, but in its entirety is a disease and emerging as a major public health challenge. Objective: To study the socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients attending the drug de-addiction centre. Methods: A descriptive study was undertaken in a drug de-addiction centre at the Police Hospital in Srinagar, and all patients (198) who were admitted during this period were interviewed. Results: The mean (SD) age of patients was 26.8 years (SD 7.37), and over half (56%) belonged to the lower-middle social class. Poly-substance abuse was seen in 91.9%; medicinal opioids and cannabis were the most common substances abused. Most common age of initiation was 11–20 years (76.8%), with peer pressure and relief from a negative mood state being the most common reasons given for starting the drug(s). Prevalence of a co-morbid psychiatric disorder was high, on the order of 49.5%. A high rate of volatile substance use was observed among adolescents (54.5%). Conclusion: A pattern of poly-substance abuse was found to be quite common in patients, and use of volatile substances at a very young age emerged as a new trend. The dreadful repercussions of substance abuse justify the urgency to evolve a comprehensive strategy.